Thomas Harold Williams

Thomas "Tom" Harold Williams, 75, of Petoskey, died April 10, 2017 at home.

Tom was born April 4, 1942 in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, the son of Forrest and Berniece (Becker) Williams. He grew up and graduated high school in Mount Pleasant. Tom obtained a degree in English and Education from North Central College in Naperville, IL. It was while he was at school that Tom met the love of his life, Marje Parks. The two were married in Elkhart, Indiana on June 27, 1966.

After graduation, Tom taught at a Community College in Muskegon and eventually found his roots at Midland Dow High School where he taught English for over 25 years.

Marje, Tom and the boys spent many summers at Sleeping Bear Dunes until making a permanent summer home on Bois Blanc Island, and they have spent every summer there since 1984. After his retirement in 1998, Marje and Tom returned to the Chicago area to further pursue their interests and hobbies. They enjoyed their years in Chicago but opted for a slower pace and moved to Petoskey in 2006, where they would be closer to their home on Bob-Lo Island.

Tom had a passion for the arts. He immersed himself in books, and was a talented performer, orator and writer. When Tom read a piece aloud, it was like hearing it for the first time.

He was an active member of his church on the mainland and was designated a Deacon at the Church of the Transfiguration in the Pines on the island. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Marje Williams of Petoskey; his sons, Christopher (Patti) Williams of Pacific, MO. and Benn (Sarah Koning) Williams of Chicago, IL; his sister, Mary (Erv) Lewandowski of Alpena, MI.; and grandchildren, Lauren (Zach) Boyd and Cooper Williams.

Tom was preceded in death by his son, Devin Williams; granddaughter, Tiffany Williams and his parents.

There will be a memorial service at the Episcopal Church in Petoskey, Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to the service.

For those wishing to make a charitable donation in memory of Tom, please consider the Alzheimer's Association.

 Service Information